Union stronger through struggle

The Unitex Exports factory in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, illegally closed down on November 1st 2011. 120 workers were left jobless without receiving compensation, retirement benefits, health insurance or overdue wages. The workers’ union has become stronger through dealing with these issues, and launched a Fair Wage campaign in May.

After pressure by the workers’ union GAFWU, the company has been forced to pay all its unpaid dues with interest. However, there is still an issue of workers who resigned more than a year ago, who are yet to be paid their gratuity and pension fund dues. In India, the Gratuity Act requires companies to pay workers a certain amount upon termination of their contract or when they leave the company.

The Clean Clothes Campaign sent two letters to Unitex, but there was no response from the company.